Having recently acquired right-wingers Joel Ward and Troy Brouwer, shipping Fehr's $2.2-million salary to the Jets helped the Caps at least temporarily get back under the NHL's $64.3-million salary cap.

"He's someone who has played in a very, very deep lineup in Washington and obviously was a very, very good junior hockey player, very skilled," said Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff about Fehr, who scored 59 goals for the Brandon Wheat Kings in his final junior year.

"His combination of size, skating and great shot, all those things make us hopeful he finds the next level here."

Fehr's ice time in Washington this past season, when he missed almost two months due to shoulder problems, was just more than 12 minutes per game.

Still, he produced 10 goals and 20 points in 52 games. That followed a 21-goal season in 2009-10, his second as a full-time NHLer.

"I definitely hope to be able to contribute on the scoresheet," Fehr said on a conference call with reporters late Friday. "I think I'll get a little more opportunity in Winnipeg. I know Washington does have the high-powered offence and it's a little bit difficult to get out in a lot of situations with all those guys getting their minutes."

The trade has one last hurdle to pass in the next few days.

Fehr had surgery on his shoulder after the season was over and the Jets will have their medical experts check him over to make sure everything's in order.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments.
All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.